Thank you all for your support.

Enna70, I have 1"x1/2" rounds of Greek Baklava I am allowing myself one of each week as a reward.

Bluesfan, compressed spinal cord and spinal injuries top and bottom, with arthritis and the neuro and heart problems, means no exercise. If my heartrate elevates too much I become Brady Hypotensive. The mental Tai Chi sounds interesting, I will look into that.

Kiwi, when boredom in front of the tv strikes, the Will can be weak. It's a 'doing something with your hands' thing since I gave up smoking.

I will keep my progress logged here fortnightly.

Dave.

hi dave, good luck in your journey.
I cheer you on your weigh to better health!
bizi

Thanks Bizi,

I follow your journey, too.

3 days in and I'm hungry. I have cut quantities and calories (not needed) roughly in half. Large lunchtime sandwiches have been replaced by vegetable soups. Getting psychologically used to smaller plates.

Of course, it is a balancing act with natural nutrition, so steamed vegetable sides have increased - and will continue to do so.

A few English strawberries, ungarnished, are enough to sate the sweet tooth. Although I have a 12 inch diameter custard Brioche in, waiting for the family's return. It is calling to me like a Siren, but I will be strong.

I just have to fight the Metoprolol.

Dave.

Stay strong Dave - ignore the call of the Siren.
Do you have a food processor or blender? - once read an article that 'creamier' (as in smoother not loaded with cream) types of soups can make you feel fuller for longer. It's to do with the body being able to absorb more nutrients from blended food than chunky food which tends to pass through the digestive system faster.

Hi bluesfan,

We have a blender, I am buying everything new after dear daughter emptied the kitchen to set up her home. Am currently eating fresh/frozen home made tomato and mushroom soups from the freezer. The Ex cooks in bulk.

How are you getting on? I have this for your spinach:

http://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/ne...a-filo-parcels

Spanakopira was a childhood favourite in Cyprus, and the Feta is a lower cal option than most cheeses. Sorry to say I have to buy mine in ready made now.

I have actually started keeping a Food/Calorie Log these past two days, and with a new set of scales tomorrow (no thanks, daughter) I will have an accurate Calorie intake.

Dave.

Oh, yes bluesfan,

Another spinach idea, and another favourite, homemade spinach pasta. We have never had a pasta machine, but using a rolling pin makes nice sheets for Lasagne. Fresh pasta has far fewer calories than dry, and it tastes infinitely better.

Oh, and just for my own peace of mind, from a Post above, the problem med I'm on is Metoclopramide, not Metoprolol. That was my old beta-blocker, it's been on my mind with the increased Panic Attacks.

Dave.

Since my hip replacement MESS in 2010, and my downhill slide from this mess, I cannot walk much at all anymore, so find myself at home A LOT, and enjoy foods...but am sensible....I've put on maybe 20 lbs in the last 5 some yrs but I bring NO BREAD into my house anymore and have not for some yrs.....started to buy gluten free but stopped that too. Wrap my burgers or whatever meat I choose in lovely romaine lettuce leaves...

Bread is dead food and my body does not need it. There is a huge article on the history of bread in our lives and I found it very interesting when I read it.

I take no prescription drugs that put on weight but I know many do take them and the weight gain is major. Good luck and just DO IT....

My dear daughter went thru some major issues in her marriage and ended up in a rehab situation, and while there the sleep drugs they gave her packed on probably 60 lbs to her lovely body. It took a couple yrs but once she got a grip on, she took it off, Jenny Craig program helped her a lot.

Hi Dave and all,
Here's the soup recipe I mentioned earlier. By the way it freezes well if you want to make up a batch.

Chinese Hot & Sour Soup

Ingredients: Serves 2

2 cups beef stock
100g finely sliced lean rump or topside steak (schnitzel works well)
½ cup sliced mushrooms
½ teaspoon finely chopped ginger
2 teaspoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons soy sauce
125g fresh noodles or 30g dried noodles (plain)
1 tablespoon vinegar (cider or rice wine vinegar works best)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
¼ teaspoon white pepper
1 tablespoon finely sliced spring onion (green shallots)

Place stock, steak, mushrooms, ginger, tomato paste and soy sauce into a saucepan and bring to the boil. Prepare noodles according to pack directions, drain well and add to soup. Add vinegar, sesame oil, and spring onions. Return to the boil and serve at once.

Variations: Sliced chicken and chicken stock can be used in place of beef. If noodles are not wanted finely sliced cabbage can be used to replace them. Other ingredients can be added to suit: eg finely sliced capsicum, chilli, carrot etc.

Good Luck Dave on your mission to lose some weight.

I know how hard that "battle" is ... hence the saying " battle of the bulge"
:-)


I try to fill up on lean protein along with my veggies... but I CRAVE those carbs!!!

I noticed that one of the side effects of many meds I've been on is weight gain.

Some meds can slow metabolism , retain water and just make me hungry.

For the metabolism, I started eating more spices that help speed it up like
chili powder, cumin,turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.

Looking forward to your updates....

Good Luck Dave on your mission to lose some weight.

I know how hard that "battle" is ... hence the saying " battle of the bulge"


I try to eat mostly lean protein , soy products, low fat and low salt dairy products and nuts , along with my veggies... but I CRAVE those carbs!!!

I noticed that one of the side effects of many meds is weight gain.

Some meds can slow metabolism , retain water or just make me hungry.


For the metabolism, I started eating more spices that help speed it up like
chili powder, cumin,turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.

Looking forward to your updates....